Al Qasr Hotel

Approached via a broad driveway lined with life-size bucking gold stallions, Al Qasr (or 'the palace' translated from Arabic) does everything it can to live up to its lofty name. Part of the huge Madinat Jumeirah complex, with its network of waterways, it benefits from being just a boat ride away from the shops, bars, nightclubs and restaurants of the neighbouring souk. There is also direct beach access and free passes to the Wild Wadi waterpark, just five minutes away, for the duration of your stay.
The design of Al Qasr itself, which is located just a few doors down from the raft of royal palaces that line the beach between Jumeirah and the Marina, is based on the conceit of a sheikh's summer palace. Hence, the entrance hall has gargantuan crystal chandeliers, marble floors and legions of staff on hand to meet and greet you.
Downstairs is the all-day International dining restaurant, Arboretum, which on Fridays joins up with neighbouring Spanish eateries Alhabra and MJs Steakhouse to put on the best brunch in Dubai. For AED 495, guests get free-flowing bubbly and an almost obscene amount of food from the overflowing buffet. Also on-site are Pai Thai, a romantic Southeast Asian restaurant reached by abra on the Madinat's waterways, and Magnolia, a vegetarian restaurant where many of the ingredients have been grown on-site. At Pierchic restaurant, the ambience is so romantic that during high season, marriage proposals can reach double figures in a day.
Mercifully, as the waterways are filled with salt water, there isn't a massive mosquito problem - which means the balconies attached to all of the rooms are very pleasant in the evening. The heavenly Talise, which caters for the whole resort, is a step beyond the standard spa, with its own pool, multiple relaxation rooms, on-site complimentary therapists and even a psychologist. Despite its servicing the whole Madinat complex, the size of the Quay health club means that the gym never gets packed, and it includes a 25-metre (82-foot) indoor lap pool and a full timetable of complimentary classes, including boxing, Pilates, jogging and circuits. The club also has one of the largest outdoor swimming pools in the Middle East, no shortage of loungers or shade and a kids' club that will keep children ages 4-12 occupied 8 a.m.-7 p.m. (children under age 4 must be accompanied).